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8 Ways to Take Care of Yourself When You're Sick

It always happens: No matter how hard you try to prevent it, you catch the nasty cold that's goingaround. But when you get blindsided by that bug, it's time to slow down and take care of yourself.

Follow these practical tips when you're not feeling your best -- and you'll be sure to bounceback faster.

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1. Follow Doctor's Orders

It's easy to put off doing what the doctor says, but it's never wise. Take your medicine, get extrarest, and follow all the medical advice. It will pay off in the long run.

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2. Straighten Up

Does your bedroom look like a box of tissues just exploded? Take a minute toclean up the mess, take your empty juice glass to the kitchen and straighten the bed, even if youget right back in it. It'll make you feel a bit brighter.

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3. Protect Your Family

Keep some antibacterial wipes handy in the bathroom, the bedroom and by the TV remote. Even if youdon't feel like cleaning, your family can wipe down the shared surfaces like doorknobs and sinkswhere germs might hide.

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4. Rest. Really.

It only works if you do it. Don't drag yourself into work or stay up late to finish a volunteerproject. The sooner you lie down and rest, the sooner you'll feel like getting up again.

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5. Schedule Your Work

If your office just won't leave you alone, set a timetable. Tell your co-workers you'll checke-mail in the morning or at the end of the day. Then crawl back into bed and stay there.

6 of 9

6. Give Up the Guilt

Give yourself permission to cancel plans, stay home and take care of yourself. There's no shame inbeing sick.

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7. Treat Yourself

Now that you've let go of the guilt, make the best of the situation. Watch that stack of DVDs youhaven't seen. Read a mystery or catch up on your favorite TV shows. You just might relax and thatcan only be good for you.

8 of 9

8. Don't Rush Back

The minute you feel better, it's tempting to dash out the door. Instead, ease back into yourroutine. Remember, it takes a lot of energy to brave the commute, the office and theafter-work dinner.

8 Ways to Take Care of Yourself When You're Sick

It always happens: No matter how hard you try to prevent it, you catch the nasty cold that's goingaround. But when you get blindsided by that bug, it's time to slow down and take care of yourself.

Follow these practical tips when you're not feeling your best -- and you'll be sure to bounceback faster.

1 of 9

1. Follow Doctor's Orders

It's easy to put off doing what the doctor says, but it's never wise. Take your medicine, get extrarest, and follow all the medical advice. It will pay off in the long run.

2 of 9

2. Straighten Up

Does your bedroom look like a box of tissues just exploded? Take a minute toclean up the mess, take your empty juice glass to the kitchen and straighten the bed, even if youget right back in it. It'll make you feel a bit brighter.

3 of 9

3. Protect Your Family

Keep some antibacterial wipes handy in the bathroom, the bedroom and by the TV remote. Even if youdon't feel like cleaning, your family can wipe down the shared surfaces like doorknobs and sinkswhere germs might hide.

4 of 9

4. Rest. Really.

It only works if you do it. Don't drag yourself into work or stay up late to finish a volunteerproject. The sooner you lie down and rest, the sooner you'll feel like getting up again.

5 of 9

5. Schedule Your Work

If your office just won't leave you alone, set a timetable. Tell your co-workers you'll checke-mail in the morning or at the end of the day. Then crawl back into bed and stay there.

6 of 9

6. Give Up the Guilt

Give yourself permission to cancel plans, stay home and take care of yourself. There's no shame inbeing sick.

7 of 9

7. Treat Yourself

Now that you've let go of the guilt, make the best of the situation. Watch that stack of DVDs youhaven't seen. Read a mystery or catch up on your favorite TV shows. You just might relax and thatcan only be good for you.

8 of 9

8. Don't Rush Back

The minute you feel better, it's tempting to dash out the door. Instead, ease back into yourroutine. Remember, it takes a lot of energy to brave the commute, the office and theafter-work dinner.